For the 2025-26 school year, there are 9 private schools serving 2,283 students in Lake Forest, IL (there are 7 public schools, serving 3,181 public students). 42% of all K-12 students in Lake Forest, IL are educated in private schools (compared to the IL state average of 12%).
The top ranked private schools in Lake Forest, IL include Lake Forest Academy, Lake Forest Country Day School, and East Lake Academy.
The average acceptance rate is 72%, which is lower than the Illinois private school average acceptance rate of 84%.
44% of private schools in Lake Forest, IL are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic).
Top Ranked Lake Forest Private Schools (2025-26)
School
Location
Quick Facts
840 S. Waukegan Road, Suite 224
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(877) 673-8893
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(877) 673-8893
Gr: 6-12 | 67 students Avg. class size: 1 student Tuition listed
13911 W. Laurel Drive
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 247-0035
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 247-0035
Gr: PK-8 | 128 students Avg. class size: 12 students Sports: 3 | Extracurrculars: 14 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
1500 W Kennedy Rd
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 615-3257
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 615-3257
Gr: 9-12 | 452 students Avg. class size: 12 students Sports: 15 | Extracurrculars: 24 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
145 S. Green Bay Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-2350
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-2350
Gr: NS-8 | 406 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 12 | Extracurrculars: 3 Tuition listed
School Of St. Mary![School Of St. Mary Photo School Of St. Mary Photo]()

(Catholic)
185 E Illinois Rd
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 283-9800
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 283-9800
Gr: PK-8 | 425 students Avg. class size: 19 students Sports: 7 | Extracurrculars: 3 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
School Of St. Mary Upper Grade Center
(Catholic)
900 W Everett Rd
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-0371
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-0371
Gr: PK-8 | 470 students Tuition listed
Woodlands Academy Of The Sacred Heart
All-girls (Catholic)
760 E Westleigh Rd
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-4300
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-4300
Gr: 9-12 | 120 students Avg. class size: 10 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Dearhaven Childcare & Learning Center
Daycare / Preschool
1100 N Westmoreland Rd
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 535-6175
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 535-6175
Gr: PK-K | 37 students Avg. class size: 15 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Montessori School Of Lake Forest![Montessori School Of Lake Forest Photo - Our main West Laurel Drive campus is on over five acres of prairie adjacent to the Middlefork Savanna County Forest Preserve. Montessori School Of Lake Forest Photo - Our main West Laurel Drive campus is on over five acres of prairie adjacent to the Middlefork Savanna County Forest Preserve.]()

Montessori School
13700 W Laurel Dr
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 918-1000
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 918-1000
Gr: PK-8 | 178 students Extracurrculars: 5 Tuition listed
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked private schools in Lake Forest, IL?
The top ranked private schools in Lake Forest, IL include Lake Forest Academy, Lake Forest Country Day School, and East Lake Academy.
How many private schools are located in Lake Forest?
9 private schools are located in Lake Forest.
How diverse are private schools in Lake Forest?
Lake Forest private schools are approximately 18% minority students, which is lower than the Illinois private school average of 34%.
What percentage of students in Lake Forest go to private school?
42% of all K-12 students in Lake Forest are educated in private schools (compared to the IL state average of 12%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Lake Forest?
44% of private schools in Lake Forest are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic).
Which private schools in Lake Forest are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in Lake Forest include: Dearhaven Childcare & Learning Center vs. Montessori School Of Lake Forest, Dearhaven Childcare & Learning Center vs. School Of St. Mary, School Of St. Mary Upper Grade Center vs. School Of St. Mary
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